Daily Times

LAHORE: Loads of outsiders have started leaving for their native hometowns and villages to celebrate Eidul Fitr with their near and dear ones.

However, several people belonging to the nearer cities, like Sheikhupura, Kasur, Okara, Pattoki, Gujranwala, will remain in Lahore for their businesses would leave the city today (Sunday).

Those who started to leave the city yesterday included workers at industrial units, university students, and government’s employees belonging to far off areas.

According to some estimates, over four million people leave Lahore twice in a year on Eidul Fitr and Eidul Adha.

The federal and Punjab government have announced three holidays i.e. from Monday to Wednesday but a majority of the government employees will enjoy more holidays by taking two vacations from their respective departments.

The Lahore’s Railways Station was observed being packed with passengers as most families with children and luggage prefer trains over buses for a long journey.

In this connection, the Pakistan Railways is operating five special trains to facilitate passengers from different city stations, including Lahore, to cater to a large number of commuters.

According to PR officials, booking on special trains had already completed by 100 percent after the Pakistan Railways announced these special trains, while booking for the regular train had been completed last week. They said that the regular trains would also run with extra coaches to accommodate extra passengers. According to PR’s estimate at least 500,000 people will travel by trains during the Eid days.

Following the mass exodus, large crowds were also witnessed at the key bus stands of the city, including Lorry Adda, City District Bus terminal and other private bus stands. At most of the bus stands, commuters found complaining against transporters for overcharging despite strict warnings of the city administration.

However, National Highway and Motorway Police have formed a special force to deal with such complaints.

The transporters justify this increase as they have to return back to the Lahore with empty vehicles, that’s why a minor increase will not harm any person.

Many people complaining about the lack of facilities at the bus terminals, security arrangements being one of them. On the other hand, a spokesman for the Lahore Police said that police were all set to protect the travellers at all bus stands as extra measures have been taken for Eid days.

Published in Daily Times, June 25th, 2017.